This is an atrocious and ridiculous calendar. Obviously they did not think about the impact this would have on thousands of families. What about people who travel at Christmas? Are they supposed to take their child out of school with unexcused absences to travel? What about the workforce that has to go back January 2nd? What are they supposed to do with their children? Who can afford more daycare, especially in our Title 1 School? Did anyone on the decision making board listen to the public? This is clearly catering to an extreme minority instead of the well-being and interests of the entire district population.

Joe Warner is managing editor of the nine Austin-Central Texas editions of Community Impact Newspaper. He previously served as senior editor of the flagship Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto newspaper. He came to Central Texas from Metro Detroit, where he was editor and general manager of several daily and weekly publications. He is the former president of the Michigan Press Association and was on the MPA board of directors for nine years.